There has been a great deal of talk about the lack of attacking options in Brendan Rodgers squad and whilst this is clearly a major concern it is perhaps of equal concern that currently the club lacks an out and out defensive midfield presence. This has led to the opposition being able to win the battle in the middle of the park fairly easily and it’s a problem that needs addressing.

Brazilian defensive midfielder Lucas is still out and Rodgers needs an alternative who can act as a back-up option to Leiva when he does finally return from the sidelines and a move for unhappy Zenit man Denisov could in many ways be an ideal one to consider.

By all accounts the 28 year old Russian national team captain is one of a number of Zenit players who are unhappy about the arrival of big name signings Axel Witsel and Hulk, and more specifically the wages the pair have been handed, far in excess of their team-mates.

This could be the impetus Liverpool need in order to register their interest in the experienced tough tackler.

Denisov is a one club man who is now in his 11th season in the Zenit first team and if he’s unhappy then he may feel that the time is right to move on. Apart from anything else the midfielder may be ready to leave his hometown club having won just about every major honour open to him having collected three domestic titles, a UEFA Cup triumph and a Super Cup win.

Compare ticket prices for the upcoming El Clasico matches between Real Madrid and Barcelona. Buy Real Madrid and FC Barcelona tickets for the first El Clasico of the season at the Nou Camp on 7 October and many more La Liga matches with the leading ticket comparison site.